Steps to boost Lanka- Pakistan tourism

Mohammed Naalir

Measures will be taken to promote and uplift tourism between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, on the basis of the long lasting friendship between the two countries, Pakistan High Commissioner in Colombo Shazad A Choudry said yesterday.

Addressing the media at the Tourism Ministry, High Commissioner Choudry said that through the development of tourism sector it is also aimed to develop the jewellery sector, garment industry, leather industry, eco tourism and making the tourists aware of Buddhist sites and historical places in Pakistan to increase the number of tourists visiting Pakistan.

Choudry said that nearly 4,800 tourists visit Pakistan from Sri Lanka every year and they hope to increase this number.

He said it is high time to develop the tourism industry with the improvement of the FTA between the two countries. He said that steps will be taken to increase the number of flights between Sri Lanka and Pakistan shortly.

Last year the trade volume between the two countries was 140 million US dollars. The airlines in the region are mainly focused only on the Middle East.

Tourism Minister Faizer Musthapa said that trade between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is to be expanded. So far Sri Lanka has participated in only a limited number of exhibitions. This should be expanded. He said they are focusing on how to promote and improve this sector in the future. Presently the travel agents are focusing only on the Middle East. Air travel to Pakistan too should be focused parallel to Middle East air travel.

With the development of this sector other sectors too will be developed, Minister Musthapa added.

Representatives of SriLankan AirLines, Jetwing Travels, Ace Travels and several other travel agents too were present.